The BCCI is closely monitoring the ongoing India
A red-ball series in South Africa amid a shadow of doubt cast over the senior side’s
upcoming tour of the country due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the
coronavirus.  

The second unofficial Test match between India A
and South A on Tuesday will start on schedule despite concerns regarding the outbreak
of what the WHO has termed as a ‘variant of concern’. However, the BCCI is closely
coordinating with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to ensure the well-being of their players.

“The team is in a bio-bubble and Cricket South
Africa has given us assurance of the precautions taken. Our operations
team is closely monitoring the situation and we are getting continuous feedback,”
Hindustan Times quoted a BCCI official as saying.

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There is no travel involved as part of the
series as all three four-day matches are being held in Bloemfontein. The first
match, played from November 23-26, ended in a high-scoring draw after the
fourth and final day was washed out.

The India A series is critical
for CSA with the lucrative tour of the senior Indian side depending on its success.
India are due to depart for South Africa on December 8, with the three-match
Test series scheduled to kick-start the tour on December 17.

The tour also includes three ODIs and four
T20Is.

Also Read | Travel curbs on South African nations slammed by WHO as Omicron cases rise

The ODI series between South Africa and the Netherlands
was postponed recently, while the ICC also cancelled the Women’s World Cup Qualifier
in Zimbabwe.

The emergence of the Omicron variant has
sparked a global scramble to contain the virus before another wave of cases forces
governments to impose lockdown measures.

The United States, United Kingdom, and many EU nations
have banned flights to and from southern African nations, with India’s health ministry
announcing strict travel protocols for passengers from countries at risk.